Primary plasma cell leukemia in Latin America: demographic, clinical, and prognostic characteristics. A study of GELAMM group.

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is an infrequent and aggressive plasma cell disorder. The prognosis is still very poor, and the optimal treatment remains to be established. A retrospective, multicentric, international observational study was performed. Patients from 9 countries of Latin America (LATAM) with a diagnosis of pPCL between 2012 and 2020 were included. 72 patients were included. Treatment was based on thalidomide in 15%, proteasome inhibitors (PI)-based triplets in 38% and chemotherapy plus IMIDs and/or PI in 29%. The mortality rate at 3 months was 30%. The median overall survival (OS) was 18 months. In the multivariate analysis, frontline PI-based triplets, chemotherapy plus IMIDs and/or PI therapy, and maintenance were independent factors of better OS. In conclusion, the OS of pPCL is still poor in LATAM, with high early mortality. PI triplets, chemotherapy plus IMIDs, and/or PI and maintenance therapy were associated with improved survival.

Prognostic impact of renal failure recovery in patients with newly diagnosed multiple mieloma / Impacto pronóstico de remisión renal en pacientes con mieloma múltiple de reciente diagnóstico

ABSTRACT Background Renal failure (RF) is a common complication in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Aim To evaluate the frequency of RF in NDMM patients, and the prognostic impact of its reversibility. Material and Methods A retrospective study evaluating demographic and clinical characteristics of 154 consecutive patients with NDMM was carried out. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at the beginning and at the end of the induction therapy. In addition, we evaluated renal responses (RR) according to the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. The induction regimen was based on thalidomide in all cases. Results Fifty-three patients had RF (34.4%). Complete renal response (RR) was achieved in 51%. Three years overall survival in patients without RF, with RF and complete RR, and patients with RF and any other RR, was 66, 47 and 13%, respectively. Median survival was 53, 27 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, RF and hypercalcemia were independent predictors of a worse outcome. Conclusions Achieving a complete RR in patients with NDMM, is associated with a better survival.

Antecedentes La falla renal (FR) es una complicación frecuente en pacientes con mieloma múltiple (MM). Objetivo Evaluar la frecuencia de FR en pacientes con reciente diagnóstico de MM y determinar la importancia pronóstica de su reversibilidad. Material y Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 154 pacientes consecutivos con MM. La función renal se evaluó mediante la tasa estimada de filtración glomerular al inicio y final de la terapia de inducción. Además, evaluamos las respuestas renales (RR) de acuerdo con los criterios del International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). El régimen de inducción se basó en talidomida en todos los casos. Resultados Cincuenta y tres pacientes presentaron FR (34,4%) al diagnóstico. La RR completa se logró en 51%. La sobrevida global (SG) a 3 años en pacientes sin FR, con FR y RR completa, y pacientes con FR y cualquier otra RR, fue de 66, 47 y 13%, respectivamente. La SG media fue de 53, 27 y 6 meses (p < 0,01), respectivamente. En el análisis multivariado, la FR y la hipercalcemia fueron factores independientes de menor sobrevida. Conclusiones Lograr una RR completa en pacientes con MM recién diagnosticado se asocia con una mejor sobrevida.

Prognostic impact of renal failure recovery in patients with newly diagnosed multiple mieloma.

Background Renal failure (RF) is a common complication in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Aim To evaluate the frequency of RF in NDMM patients, and the prognostic impact of its reversibility. Material and Methods A retrospective study evaluating demographic and clinical characteristics of 154 consecutive patients with NDMM was carried out. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at the beginning and at the end of the induction therapy. In addition, we evaluated renal responses (RR) according to the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. The induction regimen was based on thalidomide in all cases. Results Fifty-three patients had RF (34.4%). Complete renal response (RR) was achieved in 51%. Three years overall survival in patients without RF, with RF and complete RR, and patients with RF and any other RR, was 66, 47 and 13%, respectively. Median survival was 53, 27 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, RF and hypercalcemia were independent predictors of a worse outcome. Conclusions Achieving a complete RR in patients with NDMM, is associated with a better survival.

Extranodal lymphomas in the public health system in Chile: Analysis of 1251 patients from the National Adult Cancer Program.

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, anatomic and histologic distribution, and treatment results of extranodal lymphomas (ENLs), diagnosed and treated in the public health system in Chile. We included patients with ENL diagnosed from 1998 to 2014, in 17 cancer centers, registered prospectively in the database of the National Adult Cancer Program (PANDA) of the Ministry of Health. Treatment was based on the local protocols for each lymphoma subtype. Extranodal lymphoma was documented in 1215 of 4907 non-Hodgkin lymphomas diagnosed in that period (25%). Median age was 59 years (range, 16-95), and 55% were female. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract was the most common location (38%), followed by the head and neck (24%) and the skin (15%). B-cell lymphomas accounted for 78% of cases, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most common histologic subtype (68%). Mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome was the most frequent T-cell subtype (36%), followed by NK/T-cell lymphomanasal type (24%). In comparison with western countries, Chile showed a significantly high prevalence of NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type, while the frequency of B-cell ENL and the anatomic distribution appeared similar, being GI the most commonly involved site.

[Survival of 1,103 Chilean patients with multiple myeloma receiving different therapeutic protocols from 2000 to 2016]. / Mieloma múltiple en Chile: pasado, presente y futuro del programa nacional de drogas antineoplásicas (PANDA). Revisión de 1.103 pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common malignancies found in hematology. AIM: To describe the features of patients with MM and perform a survival analysis according to the different treatment protocols used between 2000 and 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the database of the Chilean national anti-neoplastic drug program. Information was obtained from 1,103 patients, with a median age of 64.5 years (range 27-95) and a male to female ratio of 1:1.2. RESULTS: The mean overall survival (OS) of patients receiving or not receiving Thalidomide was 46 and 30 months, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean OS of patients treated before 2007 (treated with melphalan and prednisone) and between 2007 and 2012 (treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone) was 36 and 48 months respectively. In the group starting in 2013 (treated with cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone) the median survival had not been reached at 20 months of follow up (p = 0.01 for all comparisons). Autologous transplantation (AT) was carried out in only 18% of the eligible patients. The median OS of the patients who receive an AT had not been reached at 48 month compared with 36 month among those who did not received the procedure (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Even though overall survival has improved with time, new drugs must be introduced in our protocols to obtain similar results to those obtained worldwide.

Mieloma múltiple en Chile: pasado, presente y futuro del programa nacional de drogas antineoplásicas (PANDA). Revisión de 1.103 pacientes / Survival of 1, 103 Chilean patients with multiple myeloma receiving different therapeutic protocols from 2000 to 2016

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common malignancies found in hematology. Aim: To describe the features of patients with MM and perform a survival analysis according to the different treatment protocols used between 2000 and 2016. Material and Methods: Analysis of the database of the Chilean national anti-neoplastic drug program. Information was obtained from 1,103 patients, with a median age of 64.5 years (range 27-95) and a male to female ratio of 1:1.2. Results: The mean overall survival (OS) of patients receiving or not receiving Thalidomide was 46 and 30 months, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean OS of patients treated before 2007 (treated with melphalan and prednisone) and between 2007 and 2012 (treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone) was 36 and 48 months respectively. In the group starting in 2013 (treated with cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone) the median survival had not been reached at 20 months of follow up (p = 0.01 for all comparisons). Autologous transplantation (AT) was carried out in only 18% of the eligible patients. The median OS of the patients who receive an AT had not been reached at 48 month compared with 36 month among those who did not received the procedure (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Even though overall survival has improved with time, new drugs must be introduced in our protocols to obtain similar results to those obtained worldwide.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy vs. TACE or RFA as a bridge to transplant in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. An intention-to-treat analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is limited information on the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as a bridge to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma and no study comparing its efficacy to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We aimed to ascertain the safety and efficacy of SBRT on an intention-to-treat basis compared with TACE and RFA as a bridge to liver transplantation in a large cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Outcomes between groups were compared from the time of listing and from the time of transplant. Between July 2004 and December 2014, 379 patients were treated with either SBRT (n=36, SBRT group), TACE (n=99, TACE group) or RFA (n=244, RFA group). RESULTS: The drop-out rate was similar between groups (16.7% SBRT group vs. 20.2% TACE group and 16.8% RFA group, p=0.7); 30 patients were transplanted in the SBRT group, 79 in the TACE group and 203 in the RFA group. Postoperative complications were similar between groups. Patients in the RFA group had more tumor necrosis in the explant. The 1-, 3- and 5-year actuarial patient survival from the time of listing was 83%, 61% and 61% in the SBRT group vs. 86%, 61% and 56% in the TACE group, and 86%, 72% and 61% in the RFA group, p=0.4. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival from the time of transplant was 83%, 75% and 75% in the SBRT group vs. 96%, 75% and 69% in the TACE group, and 95%, 81% and 73% in the RFA group, p=0.7. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SBRT can be safely utilized as a bridge to LT in patients with HCC, as an alternative to conventional bridging therapies. LAY SUMMARY: Patients with liver cancer included in the waiting list for liver transplantation are at risk of tumor progression and death. Stereotactic body radiotherapy may be a good alternative to conventional therapies to reduce this risk.

Postoperative radiotherapy in the management of keloids.

BACKGROUND: The high recurrence rate following keloid resection has generated interest in adjuvant treatments for this disease. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses keloid recurrence when treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of resected keloids in patients referred to a Chilean radiation oncology centre between 2006 and 2013. Local recurrence was defined as new tissue growth on the surgical scar margin. RESULTS: Around103 keloids were analysed in 63 patients treated with 15 Gy in three fraction radiotherapy which was initiated on the same day as the surgery (75% of cases). The median keloid diameter was 6 cm; the most common site was thoracic (22%); the most common cause was prior surgery (35%); 37% caused symptoms, and several (47%) had received prior treatment with corticosteroids (32%), or surgery (30%). The median follow-up was three years, and 94% of recurrences occurred during the first year following treatment. Uni and multivariate analyses showed that an absence of symptoms was a protective factor for recurrence (OR: 0.24), while the time interval from onset to treatment with surgery plus radiotherapy >4.2 years was a risk factor (OR: 2.23). The first year recurrence rate was 32% and stabilised at 32% by the second year with no recurrences after 15 months. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of surgery and radiotherapy proved to be a good therapeutic alternative in the management of keloids. Our results are similar to those described in the literature for a dose of 15 Gy. Given these results, our centre will implement a new dose escalation protocol to improve future outcomes.

[An exploratory study of functional literacy on health care behaviors in Chile]. / Estudio exploratorio del impacto del alfabetismo funcional sobre conductas sanitarias deficientes a nivel poblacional.

BACKGROUND: Health Literacy is the set of skills that constitute the ability to perform reading and numerical tasks to function in the health care environment. People with functional illiteracy are unable to understand written documents and therefore sanitary information. AIM: To explore the effects of functional illiteracy on personal health care behaviors in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the Chilean Social Characterization Survey of 2006, respondents were separated into those that had read a book in the last year and those that had not as a proxy variable for functional literacy. Using econometric models, the impact of this variable on having a Papanicolaou (PAP) smear done and consulting in primary health clinics rather than in emergency services, was explored. RESULTS: The survey is nationally representative, and 76% interviewees declared not having read a book in the last year. Probability of having a PAP smear done during the last three years was higher among women who had read a book with an OR of 1.19 (1.15-1.25). Likewise, the probability of consulting in emergency services rather than in primary health clinics was lower among those who had read a book with an OR of 0.85 (0.80-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of possible impacts of low functional literacy in health care behaviors in the Chilean population.

Estudio exploratorio del impacto del alfabetismo funcional sobre conductas sanitarias deficientes a nivel poblacional / An exploratory study of functional literacy on health care behaviors in Chile

Background: Health Literacy is the set of skills that constitute the ability to perform reading and numerical tasks to function in the health care environment. People with functional illiteracy are unable to understand written documents and therefore sanitary information. Aim: To explore the effects of functional illiteracy on personal health care behaviors in Chile. Material and Methods: Using the Chilean Social Characterization Survey of 2006, respondents were separated into those that had read a book in the last year and those that had not as a proxy variable for functional literacy. Using econometric models, the impact of this variable on having a Papanicolaou (PAP) smear done and consulting in primary health clinics rather than in emergency services, was explored. Results: The survey is nationally representative, and 76% interviewees declared not having read a book in the last year. Probability of having a PAP smear done during the last three years was higher among women who had read a book with an OR of 1.19 (1.15-1.25). Likewise, the probability of consulting in emergency services rather than in primary health clinics was lower among those who had read a book with an OR of 0.85 (0.80-0.91). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of possible impacts of low functional literacy in health care behaviors in the Chilean population.

[Bone mineral metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in Southern Metropolitan Santiago]. / Caracterización del metabolismo óseo mineral en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis en el Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago de Chile.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is a condition of dialysis patients associated with both morbidity and mortality. Management is based on clinical guidelines with goals that are hard to comply with. AIM: To describe and compare biochemical variables associated with this disorder in two different time periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Revision of medical records of 814 patients (49% females) dialyzed during 2009 and 1018 patients (48% females), dialyzed during 2012 in Southern Metropolitan Santiago. Information about serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and albumin was retrieved. RESULTS: Median PTH values in 2009 and 2012 were 222.5 and 353.5 pg/ml respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for serum calcium corrected by albumin were 9.0 and 8.5 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for phosphorus were 4.7 and 5.0 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The Calcium x Phosphorus product was 41.4 and 42.5 mg²/dl² (p < 0.05). Of note, the proportion patients with serum calcium below recommended levels (< 8.4 mg/dl) increased from 16% to 40% from 2009 to 2012. The proportion of patients with biochemical variables within recommended ranges was lower in 2012 than in 2009. CONCLUSIONS: There was a low proportion of patients with bone metabolism parameters within ranges recommended by clinical guidelines. These parameters were worst in 2012.

Caracterización del metabolismo óseo mineral en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis en el Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago de Chile / Bone mineral metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in Southern Metropolitan Santiago

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is a condition of dialysis patients associated with both morbidity and mortality. Management is based on clinical guidelines with goals that are hard to comply with. Aim: To describe and compare biochemical variables associated with this disorder in two different time periods. Material and Methods: Revision of medical records of 814 patients (49% females) dialyzed during 2009 and 1018 patients (48% females), dialyzed during 2012 in Southern Metropolitan Santiago. Information about serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and albumin was retrieved. Results: Median PTH values in 2009 and 2012 were 222.5 and 353.5 pg/ml respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for serum calcium corrected by albumin were 9.0 and 8.5 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for phosphorus were 4.7 and 5.0 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The Calcium x Phosphorus product was 41.4 and 42.5 mg²/dl² (p < 0.05). Of note, the proportion patients with serum calcium below recommended levels (< 8.4 mg/dl) increased from 16% to 40% from 2009 to 2012. The proportion of patients with biochemical variables within recommended ranges was lower in 2012 than in 2009. Conclusions: There was a low proportion of patients with bone metabolism parameters within ranges recommended by clinical guidelines. These parameters were worst in 2012.

Radio-chemotherapy in anal cancer: Institutional experience at a large radiation oncology center in Chile.

AIM: In this article the aim is to provide a concise narrative review and inform the institutional experience at a referral center in Chile with the use of radio-chemotherapy in anal cancer. BACKGROUND: Cancer of the anus and anal canal is mainly a loco-regional disease. For years the standard of care has been concomitant radio-chemotherapy, which permits organ preservation and better local control than alternative surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 44 patients treated between 2002 and 2010 was performed. Local recurrence, distant recurrence and overall survival were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Relevant groups where compared with the log-rank test and univariate analysis were done with the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Median follow-up of the cohort was 56 months, with a minimum follow-up of at least 24 months. There was a significant difference between clinical stages in disease free survival (log-rank trend p < 0.001), and a significant difference in overall survival (OS) when comparing clinical stages that were grouped in stage I-IIIa and IIIB (log-rank p = 0.001). On univariate analysis, age older than 60, having received full treatment and dose above 45 Gy were all significantly related to OS (p < 0.05). An overall survival of 45% and disease free survival of 45% at 5 years were found in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that results at the Instituto de Radiomedicina in Chile are comparable to published literature. Dismal results in stage IIIb cases indicate much work remains in therapies to achieve loco-regional control in locally advanced cases.

Image-guided radiation therapy based on helical tomotherapy in prostate cancer: minimizing toxicity.

BACKGROUND: We report the clinical results and prognostic factors of image-guided radiation therapy (RT) with helical tomotherapy (HT) for localized and recurrent prostate cancer (PC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 70 patients with PC (primary diagnosis, n = 48; adjuvant, n = 5; salvage, n = 17) treated with HT from May 2006 through January 2011. The dose prescribed to the prostate/surgical bed ranged between 60 and 78 Gy. Potential risk factors for genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were assessed. RESULTS: The median age was 68 years (range 51-87 years). The median follow-up was 37 months (range 3-74 months). The rates of acute grade 2 GI and GU toxicities were 10 and 13%, respectively. Only 1 patient experienced acute grade 3 GU toxicity. The rates of late grade ≥ 2 GI and GU toxicities were 1% each. Multivariate analysis showed an association between rectum mean dose > median (39 Gy) and bladder median dose > median (46 Gy) with a higher grade of acute GI (p = 0.017) and GU (p = 0.019) toxicity, respectively. Additionally, older age was associated with late GU toxicity (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Toxicity with HT is low and is associated with higher median/mean doses in organs at risk as well as with older age. A prospective validation would be necessary to confirm these results.

[Opinion survey on the use of assisted reproductive technologies applied to inhabitants of Santiago, Chile]. / Encuesta de opinión pública sobre reproducción humana y usos de tecnología de reproducción asistida en habitantes de Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Advances in reproductive medicine and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have a great impact in the lives of people and the conformation of their families. AIM: To report the results of an opinion survey applied to inhabitants of Santiago, Chile about the use of ART to conceive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was designed and applied to a random representative sample of 1.500 people between the ages of 18 and 65 in the 34 municipalities of Santiago. RESULTS: Eighty eight percent of respondents support the use of medical assistance to conceive children. Wide approval exists for the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by heterosexual couples, even when not married (85.9%) and by single women (70.4%), by both mole and female participants of every socioeconomic level, age group and religious affiliation. Support decreases significantly when the use of IVF is considered for post-menopausal women (35.1 %) and by same-sex couples (26.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this survey indicate that the majority of inhabitants in Santiago favor the use of ART, including IVF. This support decreases significantly for elderly women and homosexual couples.

Encuesta de opinión pública sobre reproducción humana y usos de tecnología de reproducción asistida en habitantes de Santiago, Chile / Opinion survey on the use of assisted reproductive technologies applied to inhabitants of Santiago, Chile

Background: Advances in reproductive medicine and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have a great impact in the lives of people and the conformation of their families. Aim: To report the results of an opinion survey applied to inhabitants of Santiago, Chile about the use of ART to conceive. Material and Methods: A survey was designed and applied to a random representative sample of 1.500 people between the ages of 18 and 65 in the 34 municipalities of Santiago. Results: Eighty eight percent of respondents support the use of medical assistance to conceive children. Wide approval exists for the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by heterosexual couples, even when not married (85.9%) and by single women (70.4%), by both mole and female participants of every socioeconomic level, age group and religious affiliation. Support decreases significantly when the use of IVF is considered for post-menopausal women (35.1 %) and by same-sex couples (26.6%). Conclusions: Results of this survey indicate that the majority of inhabitants in Santiago favor the use of ART, including IVF. This support decreases significantly for elderly women and homosexual couples.

Hypofractionated helical tomotherapy using 2.5-2.6 Gy daily fractions for localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tolerability of hypofractionated helical tomotherapy (HT) in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 48 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate (cT1-T3N0M0) who were treated with hypofractionated HT from August 2008 through July 2011. Hypofractionated regimens included: 68.04 Gy at 2.52 Gy/fraction, 70 Gy at 2.5 Gy/fraction, and 70.2 Gy at 2.6 Gy/fraction. Genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was scored using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring system. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were treated with 68.04 Gy, 5 patients with 70 Gy, and 11 with 70.2 Gy. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range 49-87) and the median follow-up 11 months (range 7-40). Grade 2 acute GI toxicity occurred in 9 patients (19 %). No grade 3 or higher acute GI toxicity was observed. Grade 2 and 3 acute GU toxicities occurred in 19 and 6 % of patients, respectively. The incidence of late grade 2 GI and GU toxicity was 4 and 2 %, respectively. No grade 3 or higher late toxicities were observed. Multivariate analysis showed that patients treated at 2.6 Gy/fraction or those who received a total radiation dose ≥70 Gy had higher rates of grade ≥2 acute GU toxicity (P = 0.004 and P = 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION: Hypofractionated HT in the treatment of localized prostate cancer is well tolerated with no grade 3 or higher early or late GI and GU toxicities. Further research is needed to assess definitive late toxicity and tumor control.

Transparencia en la investigación biomédica: A propósito de los riesgos asociados al uso de Avandia / Transparency in biomedical research: About the risks associated with the use of Avandia

The question of how and when to communicate potential risks associated with new drugs has remained an important focus of tension between the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory entities, such as the American Food and Drug Administration. Recently there has been widespread concern related to the cardiovascular risks associated with the use of Avandia, a rosiglitazone produced by Glaxo Smith Kline. In fact, several metaanalyses involving rosiglitazone provided a relatively consistent message that rosiglitazone increases the risk of myocardial ischemic events. In the present article, we review the controversy regarding the way the pharmaceutical company handled this issue, and we describe examples of inappropriate conduct regarding an industry-sponsored clinical trial with this drug. We raise several important ethical questions related to the way researchers handle conflicts of interest when they are employees of the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, we discuss the requirements to conduct biomedical research funded by the pharmaceutical industry in Chile.